Aerospace Business Development Specialist

The purpose of the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind shall be the rehabilitation, education, training, and employment of people who are blind and visually impaired, and the furtherance of their interests and welfare through programs designed to provide rehabilitation, training, and employment opportunities, being wholly charitable and benevolent.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Aerospace Business Development Specialist will report to the Senior VP of Sales and Marketing and will be responsible for growing sales in Aviation Markets (commercial, general, and military) including ground fleet customers, contractors, and subcontractors. As part of the sales team, this specialist will represent the company specifically in the aviation market reflecting the company’s mission, values, and standards while providing quality products and service to customers. This role requires a deep understanding of the aviation industry, detailed-orientated, technical knowledge, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Following are accountabilities included but not limited to:

• Identify and expand commercial, general and military aviation markets to include ground fleet customers, ­­­­contractors, and subcontractors understanding the unique needs, goals, and challenges of each client
• Analize data, military trends, aviation technology and customer feedback to properly position existing products within the market and make recommendations for new product development
• Communicate complex, technical information in a clear and concise manner, effectively presenting product features, benefits, and value propositions in various sales environments to various audiences
• Negotiate terms of an agreement and closing sales to secure favorable contracts, utilizing lead generation, qualification, and follow up and project management as needed
• Partner with marketing to develop sales plans, strategies, collateral, and presentations that align mission, brand, and market
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships with all stakeholders, both internally and externally, anticipating challenges, offering solutions, and collaborating to develop tailored solutions that meet customer requirements
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records (Accounts, Contacts, Appointments and Opportunities) in Salesforce
• Perform all other related duties as required and assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Understanding of aircraft maintenance airframes technologies and its operations
• Familiarity with procurement and sourcing regulations and procedures (FAR/DFAR), especially within the commercial, general, and military aviation markets
• Understanding of military rank, military aviation, and military customs and courtesies
• Due to state and federal contracts, this position is responsible for interacting with military and government officials, visiting military bases and governmental buildings, and will be required to meet any requirements mandated by the facility.

Preferred:

• 10-20 years military experience with sales experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in a sales aviation component environment
• Honorably discharged from military service with previous aircraft maintenance airframe experience or military contractor with previous aircraft maintenance airframe experience
• Project Management experience, preferred PMP and/or six-sigma green belt
• Product Development knowledge
• Salesforce
• Military Clearance

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Integrity, accountability, positive attitude, and mission-driven
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills
• Familiarity with government contracting and procurement processes & ethics
• Negotiation and contract execution skills to include setting effective KPI’s and SLA’s to meet customer satisfaction
• Self-motivated and ability to build collaborative relationships in a team/department and customer/client environment
• Strong Microsoft Office, telephone, and presentation skills
• Critical thinking skills to analyze data, suggest appropriate solutions, and solve problems
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with accuracy
• Good business acumen and solid judgement skills
• Ability to plan strategically for sustainable success of aerospace products for commercial, general, and military aviation markets

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Travel (greater than 50% of the time)
• Individual must be able to stand or sit for lengthy periods of time working with a computer, telephone, and multiple products (demonstrations).
• Individual must be able to travel with and present products.
• Individual must be able to lift 50 lbs. using proper lifting techniques.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable blind individuals to perform essential functions.

ETLB is Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer of Protected Veterans and the Disabled